EASTER CRACKDOWN
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) is not taking any chances this Easter.
With crime, reckless driving and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) known to rise during the long holiday, law enforcement officers are this year already in full combat mode, ready to pursue, pounce, and punish heavily.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun this week, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali issued a no-nonsense warning.
“We are out in full force. We have left the comfort of our offices and spread across the country. This Easter, we mean business.”
Operation Easter campaign is without doubt in full swing. Crime hotspots are being closely monitored, patrols have intensified, and police presence will be impossible to ignore.
Bagali made it clear that officers will be highly visible on foot, in patrol cars, and behind the wheels of booze buses. And no one is above suspicion.
“We will stop anyone and check for anything. There will be sporadic searches, roadblocks, and unannounced inspections.
“We are targeting everything from drunk drivers and reckless speedsters to criminals lurking in the shadows,” he warned.
Holiday cheer, he said, should not become a license for lawlessness.
“We know when people get excited, there is drinking, parties, and unfortunately, some make the deadly mistake of drinking and driving. The booze bus will be out, and drunk drivers will be arrested on the spot.”
He also had a word for those who underestimate traffic laws, saying they should buckle up or get booked.
He further advised against using mobile phones while driving. Speeding will not be tolerated. There will be speed traps everywhere. Cops will be monitoring all with an eagle’s eye.
Assistant Commissioner Bagali did not mince his words when addressing crime either.
“Let this be crystal clear, we will not entertain criminals, especially those deemed armed and dangerous. If you threaten lives, we will deal with you head-on.
“We are committed to keeping Botswana safe for citizens and foreign investors. Criminals will not hold us hostage.”
The police will also focus heavily on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which tends to surge during holidays.
Bagali said this is a Godly time and should be about love and reflection, not bloodshed.
“Unfortunately, when people are idle at home, conflict arises. We will be monitoring this closely, and anyone who thinks they can abuse their partner will face the full might of the law.”
As thousands prepare to hit the road, Bagali urged drivers to make safety a priority by checking that vehicles are roadworthy.
Families often travel in groups, and it would be devastating to lose lives because of a faulty vehicle. Drivers should rest when tired, make frequent stops, and not gamble with the lives of their loved ones.
Last Easter, police recorded 243 road crashes, four of which were fatal. This year, the police are doing everything possible to bring the numbers down.
Their message is clear: obey the law or face the consequences.
“We are on the streets, on the highways, in the neighbourhoods, and we are watching.”